I always enjoy widebodies on domestic flights and enjoyed a great early-morning flight from Los Angeles to Charlotte on American Airlines on a Boeing 777 in business class.
American Airlines 777 Business Class Review
I had some business on the East Coast to attend to and noticed that American Airlines had an early morning flight via Charlotte operated by a 777-200. A generous reader offered an expiring systemwide upgrade and the flight had confirmed upgrade space (from the “C” fare bucket), so I booked a $225 economy class ticket and was able to immediately confirm the upgrade. The paid rate was only $525, which wasn’t bad at all, though I was quite thankful to save the money.
After stopping at the Admirals Club in LAX (thanks to my Citi AA Executive card), I boarded the early morning flight to CLT.
American Airlines 1499
Los Angeles (LAX) – Charlotte (CLT)
January 2024
Depart: 6:00 AM
Arrive: 1:35 PM
Duration: 4 hr, 35 min
Distance: 2,125 miles
Aircraft: Boeing 777-200
Seat: 4L (Business Class)
I stepped onboard through door 2L and walked through the galley and turned left to find my seat.
Seat
This aircraft featured the Safran Concept D seats in business class, configured 1-2-1 with alternating forward/backward facing seats. These were the same seats I had on my 777-200 American flight from Doha. American Airlines also has Rockwell Collins (B/E) Super Diamond seats on some 777-200 aircraft (review here).
There was no bedding, amenity kits, or noise-cancelling headphones on thsi flight, but the seat itself was quite comfortable and I came prepared with my own blanket…which helped me to enjoy a late morning nap before landing.
I loved the mood lighting in the cabin, which can make any older aircraft feel new.
The flight went out full in business class.
The cabin was not spotless…I found crumbs in my suite…but that is (sadly) expected now on most US carriers.
Seats were controlled by a push-button screen on a side panel and could be transformed into a fully lie-flat mode.
Side storage, a power outlet, and USB-A charger were available.
Perhaps my seatmate got a bit too comfortable…?
Service
Service was really excellent on this flight…and this has been my consistent experience flying American Airlines (though I fly AA only a few times a year). For all we hear about the labor strife and unhappiness among the flight attendant rank and file at American AIrlines, the crew was superb on this flight.
I measure how good a crew is based on beverage refills and the crew was great at monitoring the cabin and proactively offering to top off beverages.
Pre-deapture bevrages were even offered…
Food + Drink
Breakfast was served after takeoff. First, a warm towel was offered, followed by a choice of beverage (I had water and coffee).
Breakfast choices included a choice between:
Mushroom, Leek and Asparagus Frittata
Honey roasted sweet potatoes, blistered tomatoes. Created and inspired with wellness in mind by James Beard Award winning author and nutritionist Ellie Krieger.Smoked Salmon Platter
Smoked salmon served with eggs, cucumber, tomato, arugula, red onion, and capers.
I pre-ordered the frittata a week before the flight:
I thought the frittata was excellent. It was served with sweet potatoes and fruit on the side (ripe) plus a choice of biscuit or croissant.
No other snacks were offered during the flight, nor were there any self-serve snacks available in the “buffet” area between business class cabins.
IFE + Wi-Fi
I’m used to $8 wi-fi on United Airlines with free service for T-Mobile customers. On this flight, a wi-fi pass was $29…which I was willing to pay, but I found rather pricey in 2024.
Disposable headphones were offered and a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games was available via the seatback monitor or via streaming intranet on your own mobile device.
The best IFE was the views of the sunrise over Santa Catalina Island during takoeff…
Charlotte wasn’t as picturesque:
Lavatories
Business class has two lavatories behind the forward cabin (in front of the rear cabin). There were no extra amenities, but the one I visited seemed very clean.
CONCLUSION
We landed 30 minutes early in Charlotte…a very smooth and restful flight.
I love seeking out widebody aircraft on domestic flights and the early morning 777 from LAX-CLT on Ameican Airlines proved to be a very pleasant way to cross the country. I will seek this flight out again in the future. Kudos to the excellent crew for taking good care of everyone onboard. Finally, I loved the breakfast…it made up for the pricey wi-fi!
